MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Hunger was a smaller problem in Wisconsin than in other states over the last three years.

The USDA said just over 11 percent of Badger State residents did not have enough money or resources to get fresh food at some point from 2009 through ’11.

The state’s food insecurity rate was smaller than the national average of 14.9 percent for last year alone. The annual U.S. rate has held about steady since 2008, when the Great Recession began in earnest.

The government said a three-year average provided a more accurate reflection of food insecurity at the state level, even though it includes 2009 when the recession hit the hardest.

The government said about 50 million Americans – or about one of every six – were food insecure at some time last year. 11 million households coped by eating less varied diets, getting emergency food from pantries, or taking part in federal food assistance programs.

Almost 7 million other households disrupted or reduced their food intake because of a lack of money.